New doctor appointed to run threatened maternity services

A new doctor has been appointed to run hospital services threatened with closure.

Carolyn Croucher, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist has been appointed as joint clinical director for women and children’s services at St Helier.

She will oversee St Helier Hospital’s maternity department, paediatrics and the neonatal unit at a time when their future looks bleak.

On Wednesday the healthcare review Better Services Better Value (BSBV) proposed that two hospitals out of four in the region should lose their maternity and A&E departments.

BSBV, which is being carried out for a second time to include Epsom Hospital, previously proposed St Helier Hospital should lose its vital services.

The review also recommended that St Helier should lose its children’s ward in favour of services centred on St George’s in Tooting however their future is still under discussion.

Mrs Croucher said she was pleased to have been given this new post and looking forward to the job ahead.

She said: "There’s no doubting that this is a challenging and busy time for our organisation, but I am absolutely passionate about St Helier Hospital and the patients that we treat.

"Local people, our patients and our staff understand that St Helier Hospital is a very busy hospital, and there are a number of opportunities ahead for us.

"I’ll be working with doctors, nurses and other staff from across the women and children’s team to further improve the service we provide, and welcome the opportunity to support the trust board and executive team in making sure that St Helier Hospital can continue to offer the very best."